Our hero this week is Melissa, who has been walking 10k steps per day in April for Pause 4 Parkinson’s. Melissa is motivated to find a cure for Parkinson’s because of her Dad and that this challenge pales in comparison to what he went through with Parkinson’s. And in such a short time, Melissa has also smashed her fundraising target! Every little bit helps towards innovative research and better treatments for Parkinson’s.

What drives your commitment to a cure for Parkinson’s?

My Dad, my inspiration! Dad lived with Parkinson’s Disease for over 30 years and unfortunately lost his battle last year when he was only 68 years old. My Uncle, my dad’s twin brother also suffers from Parkinson’s Disease and fortunately is still around but is living in a nursing home at only 69 years old. Dad never once complained about having the disease and always had a smile on his face even though you could tell he was suffering. Hopefully there will be a cure for this terrible disease in the not too distant future.

What are you doing to fundraise?

To help raise funds for research, in the month of April being Parkinson’s Disease Awareness month,  I will be completing 10,000 steps a day for 30 days.

What will be the greatest reward?

Raising any funds that go towards research

What will be the greatest challenge?

Actually completing 10,000 steps a day but I have a lot of motivation driven by what my Dad went through.

What advice do you have for others looking to make a difference?

Just do it! Any little bit helps and nothing compares to what our loved ones go through who suffer daily from Parkinson’s Disease.

What could you do to make a difference towards better treatments for Parkinson’s? Find out more about how you can get involved in fundraising. 100% of all funds you raise will go towards Parkinson’s research thanks to our founding directors commitment to cover all administration costs.